AN UNUSUAL CHARGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 242, 12 October 1893, Page 5

AN UNUSUAL CHARGE.

A POLICEMAN CHARGED WITH

DRUNKENNESS.

This morning, ab the Police Court, beforo Messrs John Gordon and E. F. Rich, Thomas O'Brien was charged wibh being drunk yesberday in Chancery Lane. Defendanb did nob appear. Mr Brassey appeared for defendant, and pleaded nob guilby. He aßked for a remand until Monday next, as he had only been instructed thia morning. It was not a matter of pleading guilty. There was something behind ib.

Sergeanb Gamble opposed tbe remand. He said thab there was no reason why defendant should not be present. He had beon out on bail since three o'clock yesterday afternoon, and was thus afforded plenty of time to secure witnesses in his favour and geb them in attendance. Mr Brassey said bhat defendanb was a poli'*'* consbable, and bo should have an opportu by of clearing Himself. He had a good defence. If the charge was pressed against defendant, ib did nob givo him an opportunity bo clear himself. Mr Gordon remarked bhab defendanb was described on the charge sheet as "not known." If he was a member of the police force, why waa he thus described ? It was misleading. Sergeanb Gamble eaid the defendanb had no previous convictions against him, and it was the usual course to thus describo such persons on tho charge-sheet. Sergeant Gamble then again stated that he objected to tho remand. Tbedefondant ought to have been present in Court. Mr Brasaey : I have only been instructed in the ense. To unduly oppose nn application under such circumstances is unfair.

Sergeant Gamble : Perhaps Mr Brassey is unaware anotbor (solicitor has just withdrawn from bhe case.

Tho Bench granted the remand asked for, nnd granted the accused bail in his own recognizance o? tSO.